MediaTek is working on a new chipset that supports 5G!

MediaTek is reportedly working on its first 5G chipset. Dubbed as the Helio M70, it is expected to be in available in devices in the first half of 2019 as said by the company’s CEO. the company is also working on an integrated 5G chipset as well, this one will arrive late. The expected date for this chipset to arrive is near the end of the year that means that the first devices with it should arrive in 2020.

The Helio M70 is a standalone modem. Which means it is not the part of a chipset. The company has ambitions to supply 5G modems to Apple as iPhones use external modem chips. Currently, Intel is the only company which supplies the external modems to Apple. Qualcomm also has similar 5G modems too.

The modem that is integrated into the chipset is much preferable since it helps to lower down the overall costs. Apple can manage to afford the extra money spend on external modems but other companies barely have profit margins so it becomes difficult for them. So, cost-cutting is much appreciated for them.

MediaTek is also preparing to throw its budget into Research & Development towards developing the 5G technology. The company is waiting for the right moment as the industry is in a transitional period. It is much likely that the Investments in 5G will surpass those in 4G.